Christmas Without Cancer makes special delivery

For those with a member who has been stricken with cancer, that's where Christmas Without Cancer steps in. The nonprofit provides gifts and basic necessities for such families, and a special delivery took place Saturday for the Gaskin family in Chicago's Mount Greenwood community.

A fire truck, Santa Claus and a Christmas-caroling a cappella group from Mother McAuley High School all were part of the event, which also included volunteers from the Chicago Fire Department and instructors and cadets from the fire science program at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.

"When the neighbors see the fire truck, there is usually a gathering, and people are thrilled to see first responders gathering in celebrations instead of tragedy," Christmas Without Cancer spokesman Bill Figel said.

Katie Gaskin is a single mother whose son Anthony, 6, has been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. He and brothers Luke, 7, and Danny, 3, were selected by Christmas Without Cancer as recipients for this year. The entire family was provided with Christmas gifts and a few extras to help out around the household.

"We are very grateful and want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas," Katie Gaskin said.

"They are a very nice family," said Gerri Neylon, founder and president of Christmas Without Cancer. "I learned about them earlier this year through the community and we are very happy to help them."

A family in Hickory Hills were recipients Sunday, according to the nonprofit's Facebook page, and the organization had plans to reach out to about a dozen families overall this season.

Christmas Without Cancer was founded in 2003 by Evergreen Park resident Gerri Neylon, a nurse in the radiation oncology department at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Neylon was influenced by the families going through cancer treatment who were suffering physically, emotionally and financially.

"It is nice to be able to give back to the community," said Debbie Gardner, of the West Beverly neighborhood, who has volunteered for Christmas Without Cancer for seven years.

"This is what we work for all year," Neylon said. "It is nice to be able to give families a full Christmas."

Since 2003, Neylon has asked family and friends for donations to provide Christmas presents and gift cards for gasoline and groceries to families in need. The organization has responded to more than 100 families. Last December alone, Christmas Without Cancer was able to serve more than two dozen families and distribute more than $21,000 in gift cards that were the direct gifts from families in the community.

For Saturday's delivery, the cadets wrapped the gifts, helped with delivery and carried in big boxes in preparation, Figel said.

"People are aware that cancer is impacting families everywhere," he said, "but to know that your expendable giving dollars for those suffering and in need of help can stay local and be immediately effective in your own community is comforting and empowering for those donating."

A version of this article appeared in print on December 21, 2015, in the News section of the Chicago Tribune with the headline "Christmas Without Cancer delivers cheer - Nonprofit provides holiday gifts and basic necessities" —
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